Unit heat generator



Jan. 19, 1943. P. MANGO 2,308,765

UNIT HEAT GENERATOR Filed Feb. 5. 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I4 .ur 1 16.1. 1/ I0 I V 3 I INVENTOR. PHILIP MANGO.

Jan. 19, 1943. P. MANGO 2,308,765

UNIT HEAT GENERATOR Filed Feb. 3, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2' 4a\ 1 INVENTOR mm PHILIP ANGO Frsfl". QQ vQ A TTQRNE Y.

Patented Jan. 19, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE UNIT HEAT GENERATOR Application February 3, 1941, Serial No. 377,079

9 Claims.

This invention relates to unit heaters and more particularly to unit heat generators, although certain features thereof may be employed with equal advantage for other purposes.

It contemplates more especially the provision of an improved unit heat generator that is characterized by its miniature size, simplicity and improved rate of electro-steam generation.

.Numerous types of electric heating units for developing steam have heretofore been proposed, but these have not been concerned primarily with an exceedingly rapid generating rate which is highly desirable o-n auxiliary units intended for mild climates 0r auxiliaries to permanent heating systems in even severe climates. Individual heating units are primarily used to remove the chill in a room or rooms of a dwelling whenever there is an undue heating load burden or unseasonable climatic spells of short duration which do not warrant the use of a permanent heating system. Then, too, in milder climates permanent heating systems can be entirely dispensed with and temporary units applied. Under these circumstances, heating generation by unit heaters should be ex ceedingly rapid, eiiicient in operation, and trouble-free.

Mechanical devices and especially heat generators cannot be made altogether trouble-free over long periods of time; therefore, simplicity of structure and adaptability for inexpensive servicing unit. This has been accomplished by pro- 5;

viding all of the parts that could possibly become defective on a single plate that can be readily detached from the heat generator housing to normally constitute a closure therefor which renders access to the interior for cleaning purposes and permits all the working parts to be removed as a unit for instantaneous replacement should circumstances require.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction and improve the operation of devices of the character mentioned.

Another object is to provide an improved electro-steam generating unit of miniature size to rapidly generate steam as a temporary heat source.

Still another object is to provide a simple, inexpensive and highly efficient electro-steam generator having a comparatively small water capacity to provide for speedy and efficient heat generatlon.

A further object is to provide an electro-steam heating casing of somewhat less than a gallon of water capacity with all of the operating instrumentalities connected to a detachable plate constituting a closure therefor.

A still further object is to provide an electrosteam generator having an elongated boiler housing of substantially less than a gallon of water capacity with all of the operating instrumentalities connected to a detachable end plate serving as a closure permitting access to the interior for cleansing purposes.

Still a further object is to provide miniature electro-steam generator housing of minimum water capacity with an external heating element confining tube having a partition member extending downwardly therefrom to the housing bottom to preclude the passage of water therebelow.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a generating unit defining features of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an end view in elevation taken substantially along line IIII of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view in elevation taken substantially along line III-III of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a sectional view in elevation of an end plate enclosure and heating element taken substantially along line IV-IV of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an end view in elevation of an electric steam heating generator shown in Figure 1 with the end plate removed therefrom and the heating coil shown in section merely to designate the position thereof within the housing.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of one form'o'f the heating element confining tube which may be detachable from or may comprise an integral part of the generator housing, it being shown as a detachable part of the generator housing in this embodiment.

Figure 7 is a sectional view in elevation of the unit taken substantially along line VII-VII of Figure l, the end plate and the electrical element surrounding tube being partially shown in section to clarify the illustration.

Figure 8 is a plan view of a modified embodiment of the present invention, parts thereof being broken away to clarify the showing.

Figure 9 is an end view in elevation of the device shown in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a sectional view in elevation taken substantially along lines X--X of Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line XIXI of Figure 8.

Figure 12 is a sectional view in elevation taken substantially along line XIIXII of Figure 3.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a still further modified embodiment of the present invention showing the heat generator housing with its internal tube formed integral therewith for access through the open end.

Figure 14 is a sectional view in elevation of an assembled electro-steam heat generator in conjunction with aconvector type radiator showing the operating application thereof to a radiator or as an auxiliary attachment to a radiator connected to a permanent heating system.

The structures selected for illustration comprises a substantially cylindrical housing I which may be stamped or otherwise shaped from metallic sheet material such as copper or cast from any suitable material such as aluminum or cast iron depending upon the dictates of commercial practice. The housing I0 is of substantially elongated cylindrical shape preferably though not essentially having fiat top and bottom surfaces II and I2, respectively. The housing I0 is closed at one end I3 and open at the other end I4 to provide a chambered interior l5 which preferably has a comparatively small capacity that does not exceed one gallon and in most instances from one to two pints would be sufficient for that purpose.

The open end I4 is normally closed by the end plate I6 shaped to correspond with the crosssection of the housing I0 to serve as an end enclosure therefor. The cover plate I6 is attached to the housing I0 by any suitable means such as fastener studs I7, in this instance five, which project therethrough to engage correspondingly threaded apertures I8 provided on a boss I9 formed integral with the periphery defining the open end of the housing ID. A gasket 2| of corresponding shape is interposed between the cover plate I6 and the periphery 20 of the housing III to render such water and steam tight. The gasket 2I is preferably constructed from copper and asbestos to render such resistant to elevated temperatures and to create a pressure tight contact between the cover plate I6 and housing [0.

The closed end I3 is provided with an upstanding boss 22 formed integral with the top fiat sur:

face I I thereof to provide a threaded bore therethrough. The bore 23 is intended to engage a steam feed line 24 that is connected, in this instance, with a convector type radiator 25 confined within a suitable radiator cover 26 (figure 14). In the present embodiment, all of the operating instrumentalities are mounted on the end plate I6 to render them readily accessible and to provide for instantaneous replacement should cc casion require. To this end, an electric heating element 21 of a copper covered elongated tube type is braised or otherwise attached to the end plate I6 (Figure 4) so that the terminals 28 thereof project through the enlarged boss 29 projecting from the external surface of the end plate IS.

The heating element 21 is, in this instance, substantially U-shaped to provide a pair of terminals 28 which are connected through wires 303I which can be connected with a conventional plug to any suitable source of power such as an electric light circuit. In order to protect the terminals 28 against impact or contact to avoid short circuiting, a cover cap 32 frictionally engages the projecting boss 29 of the end plate I6 to confine the terminals 28. An aperture 33 in the terminal cap 32 is lined with a rubber grommet 34 through which the lead wires 3Il3l project.

It will be observed, therefore, that the end plate I6 will support the heating element 2'! in a substantially horizontal position parallel and proximate to the bottom I 2 of the housing III. In order to enable access of the water content of the housing It) to the heating element 21 and provide a circuitous path therefor and the steam generated therein, an elongated tube 35 is provided in the housing III to extend for the entire length thereof in enveloping relation with the heating element 21. In this instance, the heating element confining tube 35 has a closed end 36 adjacent the corresponding closed end I3 of the housing I0 and its other end is open as at 31 to provide a parallel edge having ears 38-39 formed integral therewith.

The ears 38-39 are, in this instance, apertured as at 40 to receive threaded studs 4I therethrough. The threaded studs 4| engage the corresponding threaded apertures provided through the inner surface of the end plate I6 to mount the heating element confining tube 35 thereon so that its bottom 42 is proximate to the bottom I2 of the housing I9. In order to avoid the circulation of water or steam around the bottom of the heating element 35 and its confronting housing bottom I2, an elongated rib 43 is formed integral with the heating element confining tube 35 to extend longitudinally along the bottom thereof in engagement with the interior surface of the housing bottom I2 for contact therewith.

A water gauge comprising, in this instance, a substantially U-shaped transparent tube 44 is mounted in the end plate I6 to communicate with apertures therein and the interior of the housing I0 so that the water level therein will be indicated in the transparent tube 44. Suitable threaded fittings 4545 engage the ends of the gauge tube 44 to render such water-tight in their connections to the end plate I 6. The transparent gauge tube 44 extends between extreme upper and lower interior surfaces of the housing I0 and is positioned laterally of the heating element 2'! :1; as to provide room for the terminal cover cap A return fitting 4! is connected to the bottom of the end plate I5 (figure 2) laterally of the heating element 2'! and on the side opposite to the gauge tube 44 so that the return tube 48 extending from the other end of the convector radiator 25 can be connected therewith in a position proximate to the interior surface of the housing bottom I 2. It will be apparent, therefore, that all of the fittings including the heating element 21, the elongated tube 35 and gauge tube 44 are mounted on the end plate I6 for ready as sembly and instantaneous replacement by substituting a new end plate assembly I6.

In order to provide acircuitous path to the heating element 2'! through the inner confining tube 35, elongated side slots 4950 are longitudinally provided therein to admit water therethrough while an elongated slot 5| extends through the top of the confining tube 35 to provide for the passage of generated steam upwardly above the water line within the housing II! for passage through the feed line 24 into the convector radiator 25.

In the modified embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 13 inclusive, the heating element confining tube 35' is formed integral with the end plate I6, and its position is maintained in the housing by attachment of the end plate Hi thereto through the medium of the threaded stud fasteners ll. The elongated rib 43 is formed integral with the heating element confining tube 35' to contact the interior surfaces of the housing bottom I2 to preclude the circulation of water and/or steam under the heating element confining tube 35'. For that matter, the elongated rib 43 could be formed integral with the bottom l2 of the housing l0.

It is preferable though not essential that the heating element confining tube 35' may have an open end 36 to contact the interior surface of the housing end wall I3 so that no appreciable circulation of water around the heating element 2'! may pass through the end of its confining tube 35'. Lateral elongated slots 49' and 50 as well as a vertical slot 5| are provided in the heating element confining tube 35 in precisely the manner set forth in the first described embodiment.

A transparent water gauge tube 44 is attached to the end plate l6 by resort to threaded fittings 45'46' for communication with ports 52 and 53 provided in external bosses 54-55, respectively, formed integral with the housing ID. This enables the positioning of the ports 52-53 in line with the top and bottom interior surfaces of the housing chamber l5. The ports 5253 have radial passages 5651 extending therefrom to communicate with the interior chamber l5 of the housing It! (Figure 12). This is similarly true of the return 41' that communicates with the port 58 provided in an externally projecting boss 59 formed integral with the housing I5 on the side opposite the horizontal alignment with the bottom boss 55. A radial passage 6!] extends from the return port 58 for communication with the interior chamber I5 of the housing I0,

It should be noted that the heating element 21 terminates, in this instance, in a polygonal head 6| having a threaded cylindrical shoulder 52 extending thereon to receive therethrough the arms of the substantially U-shaped heating element 21' which extend thereto for connection therewith. Terminals 28' are a part of the internal energizable wires of the heating element 21' for connection of the lead wires 30'3|' thereto. A

terminal cap 32' detachably engages the polygonal heating element head 6| to confine the terminals 28' against exposure or possible contact therewith. A grommet 33' is provided in the aperture within the terminal cap 32' so that the lead Wires 30-3l may project th-erethrough without any possible wear on the insulation, this serving to avoid any possible short-circuiting through abuse or Wear.

The cylindrical shoulder 62 of the heating element head 61 threadedly engages a correspondingly threaded bore 63 provided in the end plate IS in axial relation with the tubular heating element confining tube 35. This effects the mounting of the heating element 21' in the desired position within the confining tube 35 and hermetically seals both the interior of the housing I0 and the heating element confining tube 35'. It should be appreciated, therefore, that this arrangement affords the use of a standard heating element 21' provided with a mounting head 5| of standard construction.

It should be noted that in a still further modified embodiment (Figure 13), the heating element confining tube 35" may advantageously be cast integral with the housing for support at the open end 14" by radial ribs I 9", in this instance four, formed integral thereto for attachment of the end plate 16" thereto. The end plate I6" is attached by means of suitable fasteners that engage the threaded apertures l8 provided in the radial ribs H)". In this embodiment, the lowermost radial rib I9" is a part of the elongated rib 43" which is formed integral with the confining tube and the bottom l2" of the housing 10 to extend longitudinally therebetween and avoid circulation of water or steam in any direction other than upwardly.

With this arrangement, the end plate l6" would merely contact the heating element confining tube 35" which would constitute an integral part of the housing Ill". This still would afford interior access to both the housing Ill and the heating element confining tube 35" for cleansing purposes by removal of the end plate IS. The heating element (not shown in Figure 13) forms a part of the end plate in the manner illustrated and described in connection with Figures 1 to 7 inclusive. Elongated slots 49--50" as Well as a vertical elongated slot 5|" are provided in the heating element confining tube 35" in precisely the manner set forth in the above described embodiments.

It will be observed that a simple, efllcient and easily assembled heating generating unit has been provided that affords ready replacement of the operating parts. Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages or features thereof, and nothing herein shall be construed as limitations of the invention, its concept or structural embodiment as to the whole or any part thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing for confining a comparatively small volume of water. of a water immersed heat producing element mounted in said elongated housing to extend therealong proximate to the bottom thereof, a tube within said housing to define a water chamber around said heating element, there being communicating openings between said tube and housing, and means extending between said tube and the bottom of said housing to preclude Water circulation under said tube.

2. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing for confining a comparatively small volume of water, of a water immersed heat producing element mounted in said elongated housing to extend therealong proximate to the bottom thereof, a detachable tube within said housing to define a water chamber around said heating element, there being communicating openings between the water and steam chambers of said tube and housing, and an elongated partition ridge extending between said tube and the bottom of said housing to preclude water circulation under said tube.

3. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing having an open end for confining a comparatively small volume of water, of a detachable end plate covering the open end of said housing, a water immersed healt producing element mounted to said end plate in said elongated housing to extend therealong proximate to :the bottom thereof, a detachable tube within said housing to define a water chamher around said heating element, there being communicating openings between said tube and housing, and an elongated partition ridge extending between the Water and steam chambers of said tube and the bottom of said housing to preclude water circulation under said tube.

4. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing having an open end for confining a comparatively small volume of water, of a detachable end plate covering the open end of said housing, a water immersed heat producing element mounted to said end plate in said elongated housing to extend therealong proximate to the bottom thereof, a detachable tube within said housing to define a Water chamber around said heating element, there being communicating openings between the water and steam chambers of said tube and housing, and an elon ated partition ridge formed integral w th the bottom of said tube, said elongated parti 't ion ridge extending between said tube and the bottom of said housing to preclude water circulation under said tube.

5. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing having an open end for confining a comparatively small volume of Water, of a detachable end plate covering the open end of said housing, a water immersed heat producing element mounted to said end plate in said elongated housing to extend therealong proximate to the bottom thereof, a tube within said housing to define a Water chamber around said heating element, there being communicating openings be veen the water and steam chambers of said tube and housing, there being a steam feed line opening in the top of said housing proximate to the closed end thereof, there being a return line opening in the bottom of said end plate, and means extending between said tube and the bottom of said housing to preclude water circulation under said tube.

6. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing having an open end for confining a comparatively small volume of water of a detachable end plate coveringthe open end of said housing, water immersed heat producing element mounted to said end plate in said elongated housing to extend therealong proximate to the bottom thereof, a tube within said housing to define a water chamber around said heating element, there being communicating openings between the water and steam chambers of said tube and housing, there being a steam feed line opening in the top of said housing proximate to the closed end thereof, there being a return line opening in the bottom of said end plate, a water gauge mounted on said end plate for communication with the interior of said housing to indicate the liquid content thereof,

and means extending between said tube and the bottom of said housing to preclude water circulation under said tube.

'7. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing having an open end for confining a comparatively small volume of Water, of a detachable end plate covering the open end of said housing, a heat producing element mounted to said end plate in said elongated housing to extend therealong proximate to the bottom thereof, a detachable tube within said housing to define a water chamber around said heating element, there being communicating openings between the water and steam chambers of said tube and housing, an elongated partition ridge extending between said tube and the bottom of said housing to preclude water circulation under said tube, and a water gauge mounted on said end plate for communication with the interior of said housing to indicate the liquid content thereof.

8. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing having an open end for confining a comparatively small volume of Water, of a detachable end plate covering the open end of said housing, a Water immersed heat producing element mounted in said elongatedhousing to extend therealong proximate to the bottom thereof, a tube within said housing to define a Water chamber around said heating element, there being communicating openings between said tube and housing, there being a steam feed line opening in the top of said housing proximate to the closed end thereof, there being a return line opening in the bottom of said end plate, and a water gauge mounted on said end plate for communication with the interior of said housing to indicate the liquid content thereof.

9. In a unit heat generator, the combination with an elongated housing having an open end for confining a comparatively small volume of Water, of a detachable end plate covering the open end of said housing, a water immersed heat producing element mounted in said elongated housing to extend therealong proximate to the bottom thereof, a tube Within said housing to define a water chamber around said heating element, there being a plurality of longitudinally disposed elongated slot openings between said tube and housing, there being a steam feed line opening in the top of said housing proximate to the closed end thereof, there being a return line opening in the bottom of said end plate, and a water gauge mounted on said end plate for communication with the interior of said housing to indicate the liquid content thereof.

PHILIP MANGO. 

